Michael Kamen arranged the orchestra for “Nothing Else Matters” on Metallica’s 1991 album Metallica.
The song is notable within Metallica’s catalog for its prominent orchestral contribution and its softer, power-ballad structure. Kamen prepared the orchestral arrangement, and the London Symphony Orchestra performed the parts credited on the album.
“Nothing Else Matters” was written by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich. Hetfield sings and plays the song’s guitars, while producer Bob Rock also contributed to the finished recording. Kirk Hammett does not play on the studio track, although he appears in its music video and performs the song with the band live.
The song was released as the album’s third single on April 20, 1992. It became one of Metallica’s best-known songs and charted strongly in Europe, including reaching No. 6 on the UK Singles Chart. Kamen’s arrangement helped broaden its sound without changing its authorship.